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Friday, May 18, 2012

Worm Spreading via Facebook Messages & Chat

It may be worthwhile to put our URL investigative tips to good use before following a shortened URL shared via private messages or chat on Facebook.

TrendMicro warns that malware is currently being spread via private and instant messages on Facebook containing a short link leading to a file archive, “May09-Picture18.JPG_www.facebook.com.zip.”

If said archive is unzipped and the contents opened, the system will be infected by a worm identified as WORM_STEKCT.EVL, which will disable whatever antivirus software is installed on the affected machine and connect to a remote site to send and receive information.

One of those “pieces of information” is another worm identified as WORM_EBOOM.AC. Once WORM_EBOOM.AC is on your system, it will become your virtual social stalker and monitor all of your posting/browsing activities on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, WordPress and Meebo. Occasionally it may fire off a message or two of its own that include a link that will help spread the infection.

Tips to Stay Safe

Not really into the idea of either of these worms making their way onto your PC? I don't blame you, so here are a few bits of advice on how to stay safe:

Be cautious of links you follow and make an effort to do a little homework on links that appear suspicious.

Don’t accept prompts to download/save a file if you didn’t initiate the download process and never download files from untrusted sources.

Always use antivirus software and make sure it’s kept up-to-date.

Minimize your chances of being messaged by a spammer/scammer by changing your Facebook privacy settings to only allow Friends or Friends of Friends send you messages.

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